Should I use my laptop on the bar exam?

Asked by: Keanu Dickens  |  Last update: February 20, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (53 votes)

In the decades since, test-taking software has become nearly ubiquitous, with the result that the vast majority of bar exam takers use laptops for the written portions of the test. And now, my stance has changed: I encourage everyone who can physically use a computer to take the exam on a computer.

What is the hardest State Bar exam to pass?

California is widely considered to have the hardest bar exam, due to its low pass rate and the difficulty of the content and constraints of the exam.

What happens if your computer crashes during the bar exam?

At an in-person test site, if your laptop or the software crashes, you can switch to handwriting the exam. You will not be able to get individual troubleshooting help onsite. You will be required to notify your proctor who will provide you with a handwriting packet.

What is the laptop program for the bar?

Install Examplify software

To ensure the security of the exam process, applicants are required to use Examplify software to take the July 2024 bar exam. The application provides a simple word processing program and is designed to be familiar to users of Microsoft Word or WordPerfect.

Can you go to the bathroom during the bar exam?

Take a bathroom break on your way in. You're allowed bathroom breaks during the bar exam, just move quickly, and return to your seat quickly.

Bar Exam Tip #2 - Laptop Use - The Law Offices of Andy I. Chen

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Can you drink water during the bar exam?

Applicants are not allowed to have food or beverages in the exam room other than one bottle of water in a clear, plastic container no larger than 32 ounces, without labels or writing, and with a lid. A 20-minute break is given between sessions.

What can I wear to the bar exam?

Jurisdictions that require suits

Whether or not you agree with this reasoning, you still have to wear professional dress. When you are not studying, take the time to find a suit or professional dress that is comfortable and you can sit for long hours in.

Should I use laptop on bar exam?

In the decades since, test-taking software has become nearly ubiquitous, with the result that the vast majority of bar exam takers use laptops for the written portions of the test. And now, my stance has changed: I encourage everyone who can physically use a computer to take the exam on a computer.

Can I bring a keyboard to the bar exam?

Test-takers will not be permitted to use additional display monitors. Each applicant is permitted to use one mouse and one keyboard during the exam administration.

How to get a free government laptop?

Must participate in an eligible government assistance program like SNAP (which uses EBT cards) and have an income below 200% of the federal poverty line. Provides subsidized internet and devices, including laptops, to low-income households living in HUD-assisted housing.

Do most people fail the bar exam the first time?

Notably, the most substantial disparity occurred in July 2022, with 36 percent of CALS graduates successfully passing the bar exam as first-time applicants, while only 13 percent of graduates from unaccredited schools achieved the same outcome.

Why is the bar exam so stressful?

Common Causes of Stress

Time pressure: The bar exam is a time-constrained test, so there is inherent pressure to complete it within the allocated time. The volume of material to cover while studying also necessitates strong time management skills.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam?

Kim Kardashian learned very quickly how hard bar exams can be. The California state bar is one of the most difficult states to pass, with a 40-50% pass rate. The first attempt rate, the second attempt, and after the third time, she finally passed!

Which state has easiest bar exam?

Overall, Utah is the easiest bar exam to pass. This is true whether you are a first-time taker or repeat taker! In July 2023, Utah had a 94% pass rate for first time takers and a 73% pass rate for repeat takers. It also has the lowest UBE cut score of 260.

Is bar exam harder than law school?

Generally, the bar exam is considered harder than the LSAT. The LSAT tests logical reasoning and reading comprehension for law school admission, while the bar exam requires extensive legal knowledge and practical skills to obtain a license to practice law.

Is the bar exam just memorization?

First, realize that rote memorization alone is not the most effective strategy for the bar exam. You need to fully understand concepts and know how to apply the law, versus just memorizing vocabulary out of context (what we call “legal trivia”).

Can you fail essays and pass bar exam?

The answer, in most states, is yes. In most states, as long as you make up for any lost points on the essay portion of the exam, you can fail the MBE and still pass the bar exam.

Do you get breaks during bar exam?

The General Bar Examination (CBX) is a 2-day exam. Day One of the exam will be comprised of five one-hour essay sessions covering Questions 1 through 5, with a 45-minute lunch break, followed by a 90-minute Performance Test (PT).

Can you bring keyboard to bar exam?

If you are using your laptop to type the exam, notice that you are NOT allowed to bring any type of laptop case into the exam room with you. Students who bring a laptop case are often instructed to leave it in the hallway during the exam. You can, however, bring a riser, separate keyboard, and mouse/mouse pad.

Is failing the bar exam bad?

Know that failing the bar exam does not reflect negatively on your ability to be a good lawyer. There are countless reasons why you may have failed the bar exam—none of which have to do with your ability to be a successful attorney. Maybe you were having an off day and didn't feel well. Perhaps you don't test well.

Can I take the bar exam for fun?

Most states (not all) require you to have a J.D. to sit for the bar exam (or be sufficiently close in credits to having a J.D.). The exam is not free and no matter how brilliant you are, you're not going to pass without good preparation.

What is the hardest bar exam to pass?

Which bar exam is hardest? California is considered by many to be the most difficult bar exam. It has a relatively low pass rate and a relatively high minimum passing score and covers a lot of state law.

Can I wear jeans to a bar interview?

What do you wear to bartender interviews at more casual bars, like sports bars and cocktail bars? Kai favors a clean, crisp look—“white [or] gray button shirt. Nothing too dark. Clean casual sneakers and jeans or chinos are fine, as long as it's matching with each other and looks natural.

Can you wear a hoodie to the bar exam?

That doesn't mean you can't wear a hoodie-sweatshirt, just don't put up the hood while in the exam room or upon entering. (Note: we are just discussing California bar exam rules here, other states may have restrictions such as no flip-flop shoes. Check your State Bar website to be sure.)